What if I were to tell you that I just finished reading a book about a guitarist with no arms? And what if I were to tell you that the account of this unique individual has refreshed my perspective on life and renewed my faith in God?

Over the weekend my parents gave me a book on the life of Tony Melendez called "A Gift of Hope." For a few short years in the early 1960's thalidomide was being hailed as a miracle drug for treatment of morning sickness in pregnant women. Before the drug received FDA approval in the US, it was discovered that the drug was responsible for producing grossly deformed infants with shortened limbs and malformed fingers and toes. However, this discovery came too late for Tony Melendez. In Nicaragua the drug was used by Tony's mother during her pregnancy with Tony. This drug prevented the growth of Tony's limbs and in 1962, Tony was born without arms, with one club foot, and 11 toes.

After the initial shock wore off, Tony's parents determined to do everything possible to make Tony's life as normal as possible. Unfortunately, Tony's condition demanded more advanced medical treatment than Nicaragua could provide. So Tony's mom and dad bought a used car, and left everything and everyone they loved to make a 5000-mile trip to Los Angeles in order to help Tony.

Tony's parents sacrificed much for Tony's sake. In Nicaragua, Tony's parents were well off: Tony's dad was a skilled specialist in animal husbandry and Tony's mom was a teacher. But in America, as a foreigner, the best Tony's dad could do was find numerous dead-end, minimum-wage jobs. Time after time, when job prospects seemed to be looking up, Tony's dad's dreams were suddenly dashed, coming to nothing. Over time, he seriously hurt his back (with no money to correct it) and lost both thumbs in a machine press accident. Although a broken man, he continued to provide for and love his family as best as he could. However, the heartache of dashed dreams and his homesickness for Nicaragua took their toll. Slowly, his use of alcohol increased until it became a deadly addiction, leading to his death by liver disease.

Tony's mother remained faithful to her husband and children--even in the midst of the abuse that came from her alcoholic husband. Miraculously, the March of Dimes helped supply Tony's family with the money needed for his numerous surgeries. After repeated surgeries, his club foot was corrected and he learned to walk. Tony also learned to use his feet and toes to compensate for his lack of arms. Eventually, he learned to play the guitar with his toes. After playing for a few funerals, Tony was asked to perform for the Pope at a Youth Rally and the rest is history. Tony is now married, has produced 3 Christian albums, written a book, and continues to perform publicly. In fact, it was at one of his public performances that my mother picked up the book which she gave to me. It is signed by Tony himself. I will treasure it always.

Think of the life lessons found in this great biography:

Tony's parents gave up everything they had to make sure Tony's life would be as normal as possible. His dad did so at the expense of his life. Two years before he died, Tony's dad gave up alcohol, and reconciled with his family. Tony's tribute to his "less-than-perfect" father is a highlight of the book. His father did the best he could with what he had and in the situations he was given. Tony honors him--even with his flaws--and in the process demonstrates to us how great love is always expressed through flawed vessels. If we don't see love here, we won't see it anywhere.

Tony's mother was a woman of strong faith, believing God had a purpose in Tony's handicap. Throughout the book she repeatedly gives Tony this simple--yet profound--counsel, "Don't worry. God has something wonderful in mind for you. Trust God, and don't get impatient!" Good counsel for us all!

Finally, Tony himself is a model of perseverance and strength. Imagine falling down with no arms to stop you. Imagine having to eat pizza and spaghetti face first with no utensils. Imagine trying to tangibly show love to another without arms to embrace. Throughout his life, Tony met numerous obstacles through sustained grit and determination born from a belief that God makes no mistakes.

Before your pity-party becomes too outlandish (as mine often do), learn a lesson or two from the Melendez family--whether from Tony's dad's self-sacrifice, his mother's simple and steadfast faith, or Tony's resolute determination to make something of his difficult circumstances. My faith has been encouraged and strengthened by the faith of the Melendez family. I thank God for the gift of hope they have given me and so many others.

© Richard J. Vincent, July 8, 2002